ALE acquires ECR group

Heavy lift and transport specialist ALE has acquired the majority share of ECR Group in Australia for an undisclosed sum.

It follows the formation of ALE ECR Heavylift, a joint-venture company between UK-based ALE and ECR from Gladstone in 2012. Changes are anticipated to be minimal, ALE said.

The acquisition was completed and took effect on 1 March. ECR has been fully integrated into the ALE brand and will no longer have a separate identity, ALE said. Included is a fleet of smaller cranes and transport equipment for ongoing maintenance contracts that will continue under ALE. The acquisition adds ECR’s 55 employees and takes the total for ALE in Australia to 100.

Paul Kelly, ALE managing director, said, “We are pleased to be joining forces officially under one name, since 2012 the joint venture between ALE and ECR has been incredibly successful, the businesses complement each other which is why we have decided to make this acquisition.”

Benefits for customers include the strength and knowledge of a global organisation, regional experience and local personnel, investment in equipment and services and a combination of skills from both businesses via a single interface, ALE said.

“This acquisition will give ALE a more competitive edge and allow us to further invest into the business in this region. It will allow us to provide a wider and more integrated service, from smaller scale cranes right through to the world’s largest crane, as well as our specialist transportation equipment,” the company said.